Feeling the Strain: What Lagosians Really Need

Every day, millions of us wake up in Lagos and hustle through a mixture of hope and hardship. Whether you’re a civil servant trying to beat the traffic, a market trader balancing the rising costs of goods, or a student struggling with erratic power supply for your online classes, the reality is: things are tough. And with 2026 already halfway gone, the pressing question remains—if the Lagos State government truly wants us to feel relief, where should they prioritize first?

1. Fix the Power Mess

Let’s be honest—power supply in Lagos is still a major headache. For small business owners, intermittent electricity means lost customers and spoiled goods. For families, it’s the cost of running generators that can swallow a significant chunk of their income. Schools and students trying to keep up with digital learning face constant disruptions.

The government’s past promises to improve public power infrastructure have largely fallen short. A realistic first step would be to invest seriously in reliable, sustainable energy solutions—solar in public spaces and incentives for private green energy adoption. Imagine a Lagos where businesses and homes get consistent power without burning fuel and money everyday.

2. Tackle Transportation Headaches Smartly

Lagos traffic is legendary, but what news is that to any of us? What has changed? Congestion eats up our productivity and patience. What if the government focused its resources on expanding and improving the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, while making regulators clamp down on bad driving and road accidents?

Also, integrating cheap, safe options for motorcycle taxis and tricycles—properly licensed and regulated—would go a long way to easing the daily grind. We need short-term fixes that can immediately reduce the hours lost on the road, along with long-term investments in rail and water transport.

3. Water and Sanitation: Basic but Neglected

Surprisingly, access to clean water and proper sanitation is still a struggle in many parts of Lagos. When citizens have to buy gallons of sachet water or depend on unsafe sources, health issues multiply, and expenses pile up.

The government should prioritize expanding clean water delivery networks and waste management services, especially in the densely populated suburbs. Imagine the relief families will feel when they don’t have to worry about waterborne diseases or clogged drains after the rain.

4. Health Facilities That Actually Work

Visiting a government hospital or clinic can sometimes feel like an ordeal—long queues, lack of medicines, and inadequate staff. Strengthening primary healthcare centers and ensuring enough well-trained personnel with stocked supplies would build trust and reduce the burden on tertiary hospitals.

This is not just about physical infrastructure, but about management and accountability. A well-run health system saves lives, reduces out-of-pocket expenses for average Lagosians, and finally makes public health a source of pride, not a source of anxiety.

5. Transparent Use of Public Funds

As citizens, we often hear about huge state budgets and projects, yet feel none of the promised benefits. If government accountability and transparency were real priorities, Lagosians would see better roads, cleaner streets, and functional public services. Real relief starts with trust, which means regular, clear updates on what funds are being spent on and visible results.

What Should Truly Come First?

In truth, these areas are interconnected, like the links of a chain. No amount of investment in transportation helps if power and water aren’t reliable. Healthcare depends on infrastructure and clean environments. But if I had to name a starting point, reliable power supply ranks highest. It’s the foundation on which businesses, education, health, and even transport can function properly.

Without power, clinics can’t run equipment, traffic lights fail, and schools resort to candles. Fix power first—not just through buzzwords and generic plans, but through committed funding, honest procurement, and embracing renewable solutions that cut costs long-term.

A Realistic Scenario

Imagine a Lagos state government rolling out a phased plan: first, guaranteeing power for all government-owned facilities and major business hubs within 12 months. Next, they support micro-grid solar installations for underserved neighborhoods. Meanwhile, they fast-track improvements in BRT routes and expand their fleet.

This would empower small business owners like my friend who runs a mini-pharmacy, allowing him to keep refrigerated medicines safe without buying diesel daily, while his customers can travel easily to his shop without the usual traffic delays. That’s tangible relief.

Over to You

• What service failure frustrates you the most in Lagos, and why?
• If you were Lagos state governor, what one change would you guarantee in your first 100 days?
• Do you think grassroots initiatives can effectively partner with government to solve these issues, or is top-down action the only way?

Let’s discuss honestly. Our daily realities deserve solutions, not empty promises.